Does your community resemble White Bear Lake, or Fergus Falls, two communities we've visited so far? Do you have the same economic challenges or different ones? Join our online discussions or share your insights and help MPR cover the news.

Commentary

Share your thoughtful opinion about current state budget issues and read commentaries or personal perspectives from other citizens.

Discuss: Public budget, personal impact

"I for one am scared. We are a one income family, have a special needs son. I have yet to see my yearly cost of living wage increase that the city I work for and live in always gives us."
- comment from beth h.
Join beth h. and others in our online discussion: How are you affected by the Minnesota budget shortfall?
Share a different perspective: What's the best-kept secret in your community?

Discuss: Funding higher education

"With the job market as dismal as it is, and expected to only get worse, the only refuge for many recent/soon-to-be high school graduates is some form of post high school education."
- comment from Mark Jepsen
Join Mark Jepsen and others in our online discussion: How will state budget cuts affect higher education?